Latest News From Boynton Meadows

We hope everyone at Boynton Meadows had a nice and relaxing Thanksgiving. Before you know it, more holidays will be approaching us, including New Years’ Eve. A common saying, “Out with the old and in with the new,” is something everyone tries to carry over as a New Year’s resolution, and we are about to tell you exactly how to do so in your own home.

The holidays are great for seeing family and friends and gathering in one place to share an abundance of special memories. With the weather getting chillier, you might be expecting a lot of guests to be cozying around your fireplace this winter. Bringing in more guests means bringing more stuff into your home, which can make your home feel cluttered and less spacious. Here are some tips for before or after holiday cleaning to get your house in tip top shape for guests or the aftermath of them.

Pantry

Having a well-stocked pantry is a necessity to a great home. This is a place where you can make sure there’s snacks for grandchildren or soups for when you get a cold this winter. Making sure you keep your pantry well organized and up to date is essential. Here are some steps on how!

Take as many objects in your pantry out and wipe down the shelves

Invest in pantry organizers that are clear so you can see things stored behind one another

Separate cooking items from baking items

Buy multiple items at once so you can make a habit of putting items in a set place so things don’t get lost

Group similar objects so you can find them easier

Be cautious of items that have been in the pantry for an extended period of time and don’t hesitate to throw things out!

Living Spaces

It is easy for items to quickly clutter a home. Before having guest come over, take these efficient steps into de-cluttering and organizing your living spaces!

It is officially November! That means holiday music will start playing on the radio, people will start putting up festive decorations in and outside their houses, and will prepare to never leave the kitchen because of all of the delicious food. All of that being said, November is also recognized as Gluten-Free Awareness Month! Living a gluten-free lifestyle offers many nutritional benefits despite the fact that it is known to be restrictive. There are numerous benefits to adhering to a gluten-free diet, including improvement of cholesterol levels, increased energy, and benefiting your overall digestive health. Maybe you won’t have to buy larger pants this holiday season if you adhere to a gluten-free diet!

Here are some gluten-free alternatives to your favorite pastries and treats that are great to bring to holiday parties, or just to enjoy in the company of your own home!

In a medium saucepan, heat the butter with ¼ cup of heavy cream over medium-low heat until the butter is melted. Add the chocolate and stir until melted and smooth; remove from heat

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder. Whisk in the chocolate mixture.

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake until puffed and set, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 1 hour. Run a knife around the edge of the cake before unmolding.

Using an electric mixer, beat the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream with the crème fraiche and confectioners’ sugar until soft peaks form, dust the cake with cocoa (or confectioners’ sugar) and serve with the whipped cream mixture

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8-inch square tin with foil, then spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray or oil.

In a medium bowl, combine the coconut, vanilla, salt and egg whites. Stir in the chopped white chocolate and sugar.

Press into the lined tin.

Wrap the bananas in foil.

Place the foil-wrapped bananas and the coconut base into the oven separately. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the coconut base is golden brown and the bananas are dark and starting to seep a bit.

Immediately peel the bananas into a bowl and mash roughly with a fork.

Spread the mashed banana over the coconut base and sprinkle on the chopped chocolate.

Spread the chocolate evenly to cover the entire base and sprinkle with marshmallows.

Turn your broiler on and put the oven rack on the top third of the oven. Place the pan under the broiler for less than one minute, just until the marshmallows are toasted. Watch them closely!

Remove from the pan and peel away the foil. Cut s’mores bars into 12 or 16 squares. You could also make these s’mores over the barbecue by making the base in the oven ahead of time and roasting the remaining ingredients over the heat. Enjoy!

The newly rebuilt Groton Inn property abuts the Boynton Meadows Community, both located in the center of Groton. The Inn will be managed by the Migis Hotel Group, who also manages historic boutique hotels along the coast of Maine and Massachusetts. Sixty beautiful guest rooms will mix the charm of yesteryear with today’s comforts and modern amenities. The Inn will offer another dining option in Groton Center called Forge & Vine, a 156 seat stand alone casual restaurant and bar serving comfort foods sourced from the best local seafood, meats, and produce that New England has to offer. The Inn will also offer spa services and a fitness center. The Groton Inn and The Boynton Meadows Community both plan to be complete in Spring of 2018.

The five-time Super Bowl winning champs, The New England Patriots, are back and ready for action. The Patriots suffered a tough loss in their preseason home opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, 31-14. The preseason schedule continued with games against the Houston Texans, Detroit Lions, and New York Giants. The Patriots ended the preseason with a 1-3 record; last year, our preseason record was 3-1.

Off to a tough start, the Patriots prepared for the first NFL game of the season, home at Gillette Stadium against the Kansas City Chiefs. Missing one of the star players, wide receiver Julian Edelman, to a torn ACL, the Patriots had some strategic planning to do.

The home opener on Thursday, September 7th was also the big reveal of the Patriots new Super Bowl Banner. With anticipation at an all-time high, the Patriots played an aggressive and challenging game. Many players were injured during the game, including star wide receiver, Danny Amendola, with a head injury, and linebacker Dont’a Hightower with a minor right knee injury. The end result of the game was the Kansas City Chiefs winning 42-27, as rookie running back Kareem Hunt proved to be too much for the Patriots’ banged up defense to handle. As many of you know, however, the Patriots rarely lose two in a row, and fans should be expecting a great game this Sunday in New Orleans against the Saints. The Patriots defense has a lot of work to do, but Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia will have the team turned around in no time. Patriots fan should be looking forward to another memorable season and hope for no more injuries. Go Pats!

Since 1882, working Americans have been awarded a day free from labor to celebrate their hard work. This holiday, aptly named Labor Day, was started by a labor union movement and is celebrated on the first Monday of September every year. The creation of this holiday was designed to reward American workers for social and economic achievement. Many people take advantage of the holiday weekend by going to their favorite vacation spots or enjoying a barbeque with friends and family. Here are some ideas for activities that you can take part in this Labor Day weekend.

The 33rd annual Gloucester Schooner Festival is a must-see this Labor Day weekend. A wide variety of schooners will be coming to the harbor of Gloucester and participating in the Parade of Sail until the Mayor’s race begins in the harbor on Sunday Morning. You can enjoy watching these beautiful ships come in to the harbor along with plenty of activities surrounding the festival, including a public clambake, local concerts, and a fireworks show.

Cheer on one of your favorite teams this Labor Day with the Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays game on Monday starting at 7:10 pm. Walk around the beautiful neighborhood of Fenway and enjoy the Boston sports fan atmosphere. Fun and action packed, it’ll be a divisional matchup that you do not want to miss. There are only a few more home games this season, so be sure to enjoy them while you can!

Watch the spectacular Boston Harbor Fireworks show on Thursday, August 31st at 8:00 pm in honor of Labor Day. The fireworks will be launched between the North End and Seaport. Grab some delicious food and drinks in either area and gaze over the harbor lit up with fireworks.

Check out the Dell Technologies Golf Championship that is being held from Wednesday, August 30th until Monday, September 4th in Norton. This event is something you don’t want to miss out on this Labor Day weekend! Get together with friends and family and watch a competitive series of golf on an immaculate course.

With plenty of options for your Labor Day weekend, you won’t go wrong picking any of these options to celebrate your well-deserved holiday. Whether you enjoy fun and eventful activities or just casual barbeque at home with friends, a long weekend is always a perfect time to have fun or catch up on some much needed rest!

Independence Day! What better place to celebrate America the Great, than in the heart of one of our countries oldest and most historic cities, Boston. Being just a skip and a leap away from the city, going in to celebrate can be made easy, affordable, and spectacular. Countless historic landmarks make for a fun filled and touristy extravaganza or you can just sit back and relax on the Esplanade and listen to the Fourth of July concert at the Hatch Shell. Wrap up the night with a traditional Firework Show by the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular held on the Charles River. Boston is by far one of the most iconic places to spend your Holiday.

If you are more interested in staying local for your holiday, there are plenty of activities for you and your family right in the comfort of your own neighborhood. Groton has all sorts of events and activities during the week and weekend that can make this holiday relaxing yet eventful. Groton’s annual Fireworks display will be held on Friday, July 7th at the Town Field. Hang by the pool at The Groton Country Club; located right off Lovers Lane where you can swim or golf without a membership just by purchasing daily or weekly passes.

In near by neighboring towns you can go to Kimball’s Farm Westford – that’s plenty of family fun with mini golf, batting cages, ice cream, and bumper boats! Need a fun activity for the kids? The Discovery Museum, Acton is the perfect spot! Adults can enjoy their Holiday with taking a trip to local Nashoba Valley Winery and taste test some delicious summer wines! Whether the city’s events or local outings are your move for this holiday weekend, enjoy yourself, be safe, and Happy Fourth of July!

It is crunch time for our beloved Boston Red Sox. We are over 50 games into the season, and out of all the teams trailing first place in the entire American League, we have the best record at 31-25 (.554 PCT). We have won 6 out of our last 10 games and continue to improve upon our rough opening start by honing on our hitting, pitching, and fielding.

The Red Sox are currently trailing by roughly two games thanks to our most recent win against the Orioles. We must continue do everything in our power to close the gap, get wins when we can, and hope for the Yankees to hit a mid-season slump. Despite being shorthanded and defensively out of whack due to injuries, we have managed to put together a winning season, and are currently breathing down our rivals’ neck.

Even though the Red Sox just got back Pablo Sandoval, from injury, there are still feelings of uneasiness, and even trade rumors regarding a long term solution at the third base position. White Sox third baseman Todd Frazier is rumored to be in the running for a spot on the Red Sox within the next couple of months and can hopefully be the answer to our third baseman conundrum. Speaking of injuries, Dustin Pedroia unfortunately twisted his wrist in a recent game and was placed on the DL (Disabled List). John Farrell, the Red Sox manager stated, “That’s a Sprain. He did go back to Boston last night. He’s already been examined there with an additional MRI this morning. There’s no fractures, no structural damage, ligament or otherwise.” He’s not in a position where the Sox feel comfortable enough to take him off of the DL, but still a good sign for our second baseman.

In terms of pitching, Drew Pomeranz’ performance against the White Sox last week was exactly what we needed to start seeing from the potential All-Star pitcher. Looks like Farrell has been spending some time with Drew in the bull pen because he’s added another pitch to his arsenal. The new cut fastball held the White Sox to a single run, only seven hits and eight strikeouts in seven innings. In his last two performances, he pitched for 13 innings and only allowed three runs with a total of 19 strike outs; that’s a huge improvement from his average of five innings pitched at the beginning. Having starting pitchers that can stretch their performance to six innings plus allows regularity for the rest of the bull pen rotation.

Although we are so close behind first and the Orioles have been on a major losing streak, we cannot begin to feel comfortable just yet. Everyone knows that just as soon as you can start a hot streak, you can just as easily hit a slump, and no one should be counting their chickens just yet.

Memorial Day is right around the corner, and before we begin the festivities, we should all take a moment to reflect on and remember those who have served our country. It is not every day that we thank our service men and women, so this Memorial Day make it a point to show your gratitude.

Once you have truly shown your appreciation for the men and women who have served our country, break out the spatula, dust off the grill and try some of these new Memorial Day Recipes.

If you live on the east coast you have almost no reason not to believe in Spring Fever. There’s plenty of evidence pointing to the reality of Spring Fever and the restlessness/excitement felt with the approach of Spring. Everybody knows, especially in New England, the troubling times we go through on our way to a true spring season; Mark, “did you hear it’s going to be 75 degrees on Tuesday?” Tom, “But I heard it’s going to snow over the weekend.” At the end of the day the feelings are the same as the weather gets nicer; people are generally happier, more outgoing and people friendly. If you’re wondering if you are catching the fever ask yourself these questions?

Have you ever felt your mood change drastically when getting out of work on a spring day?

As primitive as it may sound our spring fever symptoms could just be the results of our animal instincts. Okay, let me explain myself a little further; it’s been proven through the use of research and hypothesis’ that scientists have discovered that most animals vary their behavior depending on the seasons. Thomas Wehr of the National Institute of Mental Health says, “If most other mammals are using changes in day length, then the melatonin signal and conception rates is a pretty plausible relationship.” Many different mammals will feed, migrate, and mate based on the seasons; perhaps we as humans are meant to follow suit.

Have you ever felt love in the air?

If you have and are currently feeling love in the air you are not alone. To no one’s surprise there are more births during the spring months than any other seasons. Today, there are roughly 10 percent more births in the spring months than any other season, and we can unofficially attribute this phenomena to spring flings turning into summer romances according to Wehr. So hold onto that spring love and ride it all the way into summer.

Do you suddenly have more energy while working the same schedule?

During the winter months, and I know I myself am very guilty of this, but we try to escape the cold and stay inside as much as possible. Unfortunately for all of us warm weather snobs the more we stay inside the less vitamin D we receive throughout the day. Vitamin D is one of if not the most important vitamin when it comes to energy; it is responsible for helping people reduce depression, boost weight loss, normal growth in your bones and teeth as well as enhanced disease prevention. According to Loyola University Health System, a daily dose of vitamin D can get you through your winter blues, and also increase your stamina during spring.

Looking to list your home or make a purchase? Knowing the difference between market value and assessed value can help.

According to Dictionary.com, market value is the amount for which something can be sold in a given market. This definition does not change when considering market value in terms of real estate. In the realm of real estate, market value is essentially the price that a buyer would pay, and the price that a seller would accept.

To fully understand market value, you must first understand how it is determined. Market value is determined by looking at a variety of variables. Below are a few of the most important variables to consider when attempting to pinpoint the market value of a home:

The exterior condition of the homeis crucial. The curb appeal, the style of the home, the lot size, and public utilities are all taken into account when analyzing the market value.

The internal characteristics play a significant role as well. The size of the rooms, the number of rooms, the age of the home, and the efficiency of the appliances are all considered when you are analyzing a home.

Looking at the recent sale prices of comparable homes can provide extremely valuable data. Knowing how much similar homes, in the same area, are being bought and sold for will help a great deal in picking the right listing or offer price.

Inventory, high or low, also plays a role in the market value of your home. Are there numerous homes listed in area, or is there limited supply Are there numerous buyers looking in the area, or just a select few? As you can imagine with any market, supply and demand can alter market value as well.

Location, location, location. The location of a home can make or break the market value. If the location of the home is extremely desirable because of low taxes, great schools, or numerous amenities, then the market value will tend to be higher; that being said, if the location is undesirable because of a high crime rate, or below average schools, then the market value will tend to be lower.

What exactly is assessed value, and how does it differ from market value?

According to Bing.com, assessed value is defined as the value of a property that serves as the basis for tax calculation. The assessed value of the home is what municipalities, usually counties, use to calculate your property taxes. An assessor is employed by the county to look at a myriad of variables to determine the value of your home. The assessor will be looking at the recent selling price of similar properties, the value of recent home improvements, the potential rental income, and the replacement cost of the property if anything drastic were to happen.

After accounting for all of these factors, the assessor will come up with the assessed value of your home. This step of the assessment process is what differs the assessed value from the market value. Once the assessed value is established, the assessor will multiply it by the assessment rate, which is established by the tax jurisdiction. For example, if the assessor says the home is worth $200,000, and the assessment rate is 80%, than the assessed value of the home is $160,000. The local government will then use the assessed value, $160,000, to determine the property taxes.

Now that you know the difference between market value and assessed value, you can sell or buy your next home with a lot more confidence than before. Just remember that the only true measure of value when it comes to selling your home is what a buyer is willing to pay for it!